THE House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and development of Pag-asa Island residents in Palawan, with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez assuring them of Congress’ strong support in addressing their challenges and improving their quality of life.
This was Speaker Romualdez’s message, delivered by House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairperson Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas, during the delegation’s visit where they also distributed food and grocery goods to the island’s 230 residents, including military and uniformed personnel, on January 16.
“Alam ko ang mga hamon ng buhay dito – ang distansya mula sa pangunahing mga lungsod, ang kakulangan sa mga pasilidad, at ang hirap ng pagharap sa araw-araw na pangangailangan. Ngunit sa kabila nito, nananatili kayong matatag,” Speaker Romualdez said in his speech read by Arenas.
He lauded the residents’ resilience and dedication and vowed that Congress would not ignore their needs.
Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea, is the largest Philippine-occupied feature in the Spratly Islands. It serves as a vital outpost in asserting the country’s sovereignty and is crucial in determining the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under international law.
Despite geopolitical tensions in the area, the island is home to a small but resilient Filipino community and personnel from the military and other uniformed services.
The visit, led by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, aimed to assess the living conditions and challenges faced by the 79 families on the island, including health, livelihood and infrastructure issues.
Reps. Emigdio Tanjuatco III of Rizal and Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Party-list, along with representatives from the Office of the Speaker, the Caretaker District Office and the Office of the Mayor, joined Arenas in the visit.
In his speech, Speaker Romualdez assured residents that the government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is fully committed to enhancing their welfare.
“Kaisa ninyo kami sa gobyerno sa layuning gawing mas maayos at mas maginhawa ang inyong pamumuhay. Sa suporta ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., tuluy-tuloy ang mga proyekto para sa isla – ang pagpapatayo ng rural health unit at mga bagong pasilidad,” he emphasized.
Among the concrete measures announced was establishing a rural health unit, which Speaker Romualdez described as vital in ensuring accessible medical services for the islanders.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala; ang inyong mga boses ay naririnig sa Kongreso. Ang inyong mga pangangailangan ay aming ipinaglalaban,” he said.
A boodle fight lunch was also held for the military personnel stationed on the island, highlighting the House’s recognition of their service and sacrifices.
Speaker Romualdez’s speech reiterated the significance of Pag-asa Island not just as a territorial asset but also as a home to Filipinos who have chosen to live on the frontlines of national sovereignty.
“Kayo ang nagbibigay-buhay at halaga sa isla na ito, kaya’t saludo ako sa inyong dedikasyon at sakripisyo,” he stated.
The Speaker also highlighted ongoing and future livelihood programs aimed at providing economic opportunities for the residents, promising that Congress will continue to push for the necessary resources to help them thrive.
“Sa inyong pagtanggap sa amin ngayong araw, nais kong ipahayag ang aming taos-pusong suporta sa inyong lahat. Kayo ang puso ng Pag-asa Island, at kaisa ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan,” Speaker Romualdez assured.
“Muli, maraming salamat sa inyong pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal sa ating bayan. Mabuhay ang Pag-asa Island! Mabuhay ang Kalayaan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”
